Sacramento Kings X-Factor For The 2025-26 Season - Keon Ellis
Oct 16, 2025
The Sacramento Kings enter the 2025-26 season fighting to return to the postseason. Although they qualified for a “play-in seed”, the Kings missed out on the playoffs for the second straight year. Unfortunately, a thumb injury to fourth-year forward Keegan Murray doesn’t help the matter much, but it could provide an opportunity for reserve guard Keon Ellis to be the next man up.


While they have a number of elite players within their starting unit, including Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan, Ellis has emerged as a key role player who can help the Kings navigate the challenges of the loaded Western Conference standings.
With Murray sidelined to start the season for up to six weeks, Ellis could benefit from an expanded role that welcomes his skill set. A defensive specialist, the 24-year-old fits perfectly into the starting lineup filled with offense-minded players.
A 6’3” guard with a 6’7” wingspan, Ellis has the size and athletic ability to guard multiple positions. His ability to pressure ball-handlers and create turnovers provides the Kings with a defensive identity that they haven’t had in years. Considering the vast number of talented backcourt players in the Western Conference, Ellis gives coach Doug Christie a reliable defensive option to help contain the opposition.


Offensively, Ellis has the ability to provide the Kings with a handful of points off three-point shooting and transition hoops, keeping opposing defenses honest. Shooting 43% from deep on four attempts per game last season in 24 minutes of floor time helps to open up the driving lanes for LaVine and DeRozan and let Sabonis operate in the paint with a kick-out option.
When Murray returns, Ellis’ move to the bench could actually maximize his impact on the team, especially alongside Russell Westbrook and Malik Monk. This dynamic trio can bring a unique small-ball look with Westbrook’s playmaking, Monk’s scoring, and Ellis’ lockdown defense, transforming the second unit.
While the Kings already face an uphill battle in the ultra-competitive Western Conference, the loss of Murray doesn’t help matters. However, Ellis’s ability to contribute in multiple roles provides Sacramento with an X-factor either as a starter or off the bench.